#INTERVIEW: Daphne Valente | Fluid Connections

Daphne Valente is a celebrated Greek fashion designer known for her sculptural garments and signature pleated technique inspired by classical antiquity. She studied Fashion Design at FIT in New York and Central Saint Martins in London, where her early work caught the attention of top fashion retailers. Returning to Greece, Valente pioneered a unique approach to draping and pleating, creating clothing that feels both artistic and wearable. Over the years, she has also explored jewellery design, costume design for theatre, and curated exhibitions, reflecting her deep connection to the arts. As former president of the Hellenic Fashion Designers Association, Valente played a key role in shaping the Greek fashion landscape. With a career spanning 40 years, Daphne Valente continues to design with authenticity, craftsmanship, and a poetic connection to her heritage.

Daphne Valente's 2025 Summer collection, titled "Not the Gordian knot", pays tribute, in a cheeky way, to all the precious bonds in our lives. The bonds of love, family, friendship, and collaboration — bonds that we nurture at all costs and do not sever violently, as in the case of the Gordian knot. These bonds are expressed on her designs through knots in unexpected places, with draped fabrics loosely tied, with strap knots that adorn bare backs, all within a palette of earthy tones of ripe fruits and the colours of the Aegean Sea.

Tanja Beljanski: Femininity, ancient Greek minimalism, comfort, sophistication and class play a prominent role in your clothes. How did you discover your style?

Daphne Valente: I was fortunate to discover my style very early. While studying at St. Martin’s School of Art in London, I visited Brighton Museum and encountered the Grecian-inspired pleats of Mariano Fortuny. In that moment, I knew I had found my creative direction.

Pleated, sculpted clothes in Ancient Greek form are your inspiration. How do you design? What form do your earliest ideas for a collection take?

I begin by draping fabric directly on the dress stand. I let it speak to me — it shows me where it wants to move. I sculpt the garment, photograph the result, and only afterward do I translate it onto paper. Some designs that appear perfect on paper cannot be made in reality, so I prefer to begin with form.

Who do you design your collections for?

For women like myself — working, independent, and always on the move. They seek ease, refined comfort, and understated elegance in what they wear.

What does Athens represent for you creatively and personally?

Athens is home. I love its blend of ancient and modern, its vibrant energy, the fun, the colours, the diversity of people and scents — all coming together under the extraordinary light of the Attic sky.

Are there fabrics you particularly enjoy working with?

Yes. I prefer lightweight fabrics like chiffon or washed satin. Since my work is pleated and involves a generous use of fabric, I want to ensure that it doesn’t weigh down the wearer. All my materials have ecological certifications — comfort and environmental responsibility are both important to me.

How do you balance good business decisions with your creative mission?

I’m an artist above all, navigating the practical side of running a brand. I follow my instincts, move carefully, and avoid unnecessary risks.

If you could dress anyone in the world, who would it be?

Cate Blanchett. Her refined, slightly unconventional elegance resonates deeply with me.

What are you most passionate about, besides fashion?

The arts, animals, yoga, books, fruit, the sea, the sun, and my homeland — Greece will always have my heart.